Stranraer Feature Page on Undiscovered Scotland Castle of St John Stranraer is the largest settlement in south west Scotland. It lies at the head of Loch Ryan, on the north side of the neck of land that prevents the Rhins of Galloway becoming an island. The town's origins date back nearly 500 years to the building in 1511 of Stranraer Castle, also known as the Castle of St John. This now stands in the centre of the town, but it was originally built behind the broad beach at the head of Loch Ryan. Only later did a settlement begin to grow around it. The Castle of St John now houses a museum, while the excellent Stranraer Museum can be found in the old town hall. By 1600 it had become the market town for the Rhins of Galloway to the west and the rural areas to the east. In the 1760s Stranraer was reached by a military road built from Bridge of Sark on the English border via Dumfries to Portpatrick. This in turn led to Stranraer featuring on the drove route used by Irish cattle being moved to market in Dumfries.

It was only in the mid 1700s that a harbour was first built in Stranraer itself, and further port development took place in the 1820s. But it was the coming of the railway from Dumfries in 1861 which finally established Stranraer as the area's main port. In 1862 the line was extended to serve the harbour directly, and in the same year a link to Portpatrick was also opened. Some time later a rail connection north to Girvan was established. For much of the following 150 years Stranraer was unchallenged as the natural location for the main Scottish port for the Irish ferries. Roll-on roll-off ferries appeared on the Irish routes well ahead of elsewhere in the UK. This played a part in the loss of 133 lives on 31 January 1953 when the MV Princess Victoria's car deck was swamped by heavy seas en route from Stranraer, and the ship sank off Northern Ireland.

In the 1970s P&O moved their services from Stranraer to a new terminal built nearer the mouth of Loch Ryan at Cairnryan and in 2000 the SeaCat fast catamaran service from Belfast was switched from Stranraer to Troon. In late 2011 Stena also moved their Stranraer operations to Cairnryan. But despite these setbacks, Stranraer has rather more going for it than usually gets mentioned in the guide books. The town centre is surprisingly attractive and bustling, and while it helps to see it on a sunny day, the whites and bright colours of many of the buildings make it brighter in any light. Stranraer also serves as the gateway to the Rhins of Galloway. Roads from here head north to Leswalt and south past Drummore to the Mull of Galloway, Scotland's most southerly point. And west lies Portpatrick, now a beautiful resort complete with harbour. Another link with Portpatrick is provided by the Southern Upland Way long distant footpath, which begins there and passes just to the south of Stranraer itself en route to the North Sea.

Cairnryan Port |Cairnryan to Belfast | Stena Line Further info: hertz.co.uk All persons entering or using this car park do so at their own risk, Stena Line are in no way responsible for loss, injury or damage sustained by them or for loss or damage to vehicles and their contents left within the car park. Train Onward bus connections available to and from Ayr Railway station for passengers on selected sailing who have pre-booked a Rail & Sail ticket to Glasgow, Edinburgh and other rail destinations in Britain. Further info: . Bus Onward coach connections available on selected sailings to Glasgow, Edinburgh and other destinations for passengers who have pre-booked an Express coach ticket. Further info: . For passengers wishing to travel from Cairnryan to Stranraer and vice versa, please see the bus timetables below: No Service Christmas of New Year Public Holidays £1.80 Adult Please enter your unique offer code Contract rates Loch Ryan - Scottish Water Loch Ryan We are delivering a project that will provide a long term waste water solution for Stranraer, Cairnryan, Kirkcolm and Leswalt.

This project will bring the area in line with the rest of Scotland by installing a modern waste water treatment process that replaces outdated infrastructure. The shellfish waters will be given a boost as continuous discharges of waste water are removed from Loch Ryan and redirected to the North Channel. What we're doing Scottish Water has been closely liaising with SEPA to ensure the project meets strict environmental standards. The project will also ensure Scottish Water complies with a range of legal requirements. A main element of the project will be creation of a new waste water treatment works (WWTW) to be built at Smithy Hill near Leswalt. It will discharge treated waste water into the North Channel of the Irish Sea, near Broadsea Bay. Area affected We are converting the existing waste water treatment works (WWTW) at Stranraer to a pumping station and storm tanks. The new facility will collect waste from various outlying areas and pump it to the new treatment works. The current Port Rodie building will be demolished. A modern replacement building at Port Rodie will be constructed and Scottish Water has liaised closely with Dumfries & Galloway planning experts to ensure the designs will fit in with future waterfront developments.

Project benefits Once the changes are completed, the existing Port Rodie site will deliver further benefits when it is modified to provide storm storage. This is essential, as it will reduce the risk of the Stranraer network having to utilise storm overflow contingencies at times of heavy rainfall. Some smaller facilities will also form part of the project. These will include modifications to treatment works at Kirkcolm and Leswalt. This will allow all waste to be transferred efficiently to the new Loch Ryan WWTW. A series of waste water mains will also be laid so the waste can be transferred to either the new works or the Port Rodie pumping station. While the locations are fairly remote, as far as possible these new sections of the waste water network will be in places as close as possible to the roads leading in and out of the areas. Start date Our delivery partners, Leslie MWH Joint Venture, started work on the Pumping Station at Port Rodie in January 2011. Work also began at the new Loch Ryan Waste Water Treatment Works in Leswalt in February 2011, and work to install new sewers that will carry the waste water up to Smithy hill is well underway.

Latest developments Read the latest news here We want to hear from you If you would like more information about the Loch Ryan Project, the team can be contacted by emailing lochryan@scottishwater.co.uk or by calling 0845 601 8855 and quoting "Loch Ryan Project". Related Content Ryan, Loch: Overview of Ryan, Loch Catamaran Ferry in Loch Ryan, Stranraer ©2016 Gazetteer for Scotland A sea loch of SW Scotland providing a natural sheltered anchorage, Loch Ryan lies between the northern arm of The Rhins of Galloway and that part of the South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway coast stretching from Finnart's Point southwards past Cairnryan to Stranraer which is the main ferry port linking Scotland with Larne and Belfast in Northern Ireland. It extends just over 8 miles (13 km) from north to south and measures nearly 3 miles (5 km) at its maximum width. A sandbank called the Scar runs down the west side of the loch opposite Kirkcolm and on its eastern shore is a small headland called Cairn Point on which stands Cairnryan .

Loch Ryan lighthouse was erected on this point in 1847. Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry If you have found this information useful please consider making a donation to help maintain and improve this resource. More info... Stranraer Marina and Loch Ryan [Expanded View] - West Scotland and North of Ireland: pilotage, charts, photos and marine business listings Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring The arrangements for entering the new Marina are best seen on the plan, a new breakwater has been constructed and access to the pontoons is via a short channel. The start of the channel is marked by a green conical and a red can buoy, both are lit. After passing between these, the visitors berths will be seen on the very first pontoon you come to. Further red buoyage on your starboard side marks the edge of a drying mud bank. This Marina is owned by the Dumfries and Galloway Council, who also own the West Pier. Contact the Harbourmaster Lesley Smith 07734073421 or assistant Alan McLaughlin 07827277247.

The office is near the clock tower. The charges here are in bands and work out at £15.55 per night for a 10 metre boat, (pontoons can take 12m boats) with the possibility of accommodating yachts up to 28 m long with prior notice. Charges include VAT, showers & water. A total of seven berths are reserved for visitors only, with a further 50 Odd for residents. Shelter in this spot may not be perfect in NW Gales, but we have heard plenty of good reports about this new facility. There are plenty of anchoring opportunities around the loch, but many may be subject to wash from passing ferries. There are also various no anchoring areas, best seen on the chart. A popular anchorage will be found in an area called The Wig, lying in a bit of a bight formed by the drying Scar, and shallows of The Spit. As has been said by "Fearless Friend" in the local advice below it would be daft not to put down a tripping line with your gear in this area.

Lady Bay on the NW side of the Loch has been found to be a viable (if noisy with passing ferries at night) anchorage and if time is of the essence it's useful as it's a further six miles down to the Marina from there This area is sheltered from the North West and West, and shallows mentioned above provide some kind of shelter when the wind is in the north-east. (Tuck in close as possible under Kirkcolm Point) Strong winds with a S or SE component will make things rough here. No water or fuel here, and nearest shops are at Kirkcolm. Loch Ryan Sailing Club has a slipway in front of its' premises on the western shore of The Wig. Visitors are welcome when the club is open, a link to their website is provided below: We are grateful for the help we have received from local sailors (Gordon Baird and Phillip Taylorson) on the new conditions in the Loch Facilities The Marina at Stranraer can provide water and electricity (prepaid cards, so check the bollard to see if there is any left over!) on all the pontoons and it has a brand new amenities block with showers (free), toilets and coin op laundrette facilities.

Fuel (in jerry cans) and Calor gas are available at the local garage (they don't do Camping Gaz but. if you talk to the HM. he knows of a place where that can be arranged) There is now a slip for launching trailer sailors and they hope to have some form of lifting facilities in the near future. The town itself can provide shops, post office and banks, with a Tesco Metro and Morrisons within easy walking reach of the Marina. Car hire is available close by for those who wish to abandon their boats and do a bit of exploring. Transport connections for crew changes are very good. Stranraer railway station is the southern terminus for one of the branch lines of the Glasgow South Western Line. Trains are provided by First ScotRail daily to Ayr, Glasgow, and Newcastle. The main national coach providers operate services from Stranraer. National Express offer a service to London. Trailer Sailers will find a decent concrete slipway (originally used for seaplanes), in front of the Loch Ryan sailing club, at The Wig. Care is required with launch and recovery because of the wash from fast ferries. Do you run a marine related business around this harbour ?

If you're not already in our directory why not put yourself in ? If you are in, why not say something more about yourself ? The link below provides full info....It's FREE and you can do it yourself NOW. History Loch Ryan is a Scottish sea loch that acts as an important natural harbour for shipping, providing calm waters for ferries operating between Scotland and Northern Ireland. The town of Stranraer is the largest settlement on its shores, with boats operating both from the town and from the village of Cairnryan further north on the loch. Historically the loch has seen human activity on its shores since ancient times. Sheltered from the rough seas of the North Channel and the North Atlantic the loch has been an important safe harbour for vessels. In the spring of 1307 at the beginning of Robert the Bruce's campaign in the wars of independence he sent two forces to attempt to gain control of south west Scotland. One force, led by his two brothers and comprising of eighteen galleys, landed in Loch Ryan. They were immediately overwhelmed by local forces, led by Dougal MacDougal, who was a supporter of the Comyns. The loch would have been used historically for traditional maritime activities including fishing.

The Statistical account of Scotland 1791-99, records: "This bank abounds with oysters of a most excellent flavour. They are found indeed all around the shores and might be got in great quantities would people drag for them ....... A variety of fish, as skate, flounders, small cod, haddocks, whiting, lobsters, crabs and sometimes turbot are caught within the loch" The later Account of 1834-45 expands on this issue, as it states: "Loch Ryan at one time was famous for its herring fishery. I have heard old people say that they have known 300 sail boats in the bay at one time which had come from the highlands and other places, in order to fish or purchase herrings. For many years past the shoals of herrings may be said to have deserted the loch." A lighthouse was built at Cairn point in 1847 at the northern end of the village of Cairnryan. In 1849 the principle link to Northern Ireland was moved from Portpatrick to Stranraer in Loch Ryan.

The reasons for this move were the increasing tonnages of the vessels operating the route which were more susceptible to harsh storms when moored at the exposed Portpatrick harbour on the Rhins coast. The calmer safer waters of the loch allowed larger ships to ply the route as demand increased. During the second world war the loch was busy with wartime activity. Cairnryan became No. 2 Military port, an important secondary large-scale port facility that was available for use should facilities on the Mersey and the Clyde became unavailable due to enemy bombing. Two large piers were built at Cairnryan to enable large tonnage ships to dock and unload cargo. The harbour was used as an import point for troops coming from the USA after 1942. Only one of the two piers still stands today, and it is unusable due to the poor condition of the wooden piles (the pier has been unused since a small section collapsed with tragic consequences in the 1990’s). With U-Boat menace in the Atlantic taking a heavy toll on merchant shipping the area became an important centre for anti-U-Boat operations.

Flying boats operated from the loch to protect allied shipping making its way to Liverpool or Glasgow either via the North Channel or the Firth of Clyde. There were two RAF stations on the Loch, RAF Wig Bay operating from Wig Bay near Kirkcolm and RAF Stranraer operating from the town. Just north of Cairnryan are what looks like a number of concrete 'boats' resting on the shore - these too are a legacy of the second world war. They are in fact 'Beetles' from the Mulberry harbour project. The beetle pontoons were used to hold up the 'Whale' roadway sections, with four of the whales being built at Cairnryan. With easy access to the North Atlantic, Loch Ryan was used as the surrender destination for the U-Boats who were out in the Atlantic in 1945 when hostilities ceased. The U-boats and their crews were held at Cairnryan, before the boats were finally towed out into the Atlantic and sunk.

Other wartime activity on the loch included construction of target rafts made out of wood and cork, which were built in Stranraer then floated out the Loch and round the Rhins of Galloway to their positions in Luce Bay for bombing practice (operating out of West Freugh). The loch was also used by Winston Churchill when he departed from Stranraer in a Boeing Flying boat on 25 June 1942 when making his second visit of the war to the USA. Today the loch serves as an important location for the ferry link to Northern Ireland, representing the shortest crossing distance between Britain and Ireland. The port activity has increased substantially since the route first started operating out of the Loch in 1849. There are currently a total of 5 ferries, 3 conventional RORO ferries and 2 fast ferries. This is split between two ferry companies, Stena Line and P&O - Irish Sea.

Stena, operating from the east pier in Stranraer, with 1 conventional (Stena Caledonia) and the HSS fast ferry (Stena Voyager), while P&O, operating from Cairnryan run 2 conventionals (European Causeway & European Highlander) and the P&O Express fast ferry. Between 1992 and 1999 Sea Containers Ltd operated the Seacat fast ferry on the Stranraer - Belfast route. They subsequently moved to Troon, before finally ending the service altogether in 2005. While conventional ferries (moving at around 15 knots) have worked the route for many decades the newly introduced fast ferries are capable of much greater speeds (around 40 knots). The wash that these large craft generate has led to speed restrictions being imposed within the majority of the loch, with fast ferries unable to increase their speeds above 12 knots (22 km/h) until they are to the north of Old House point on the northern side of Cairnryan. Further speed restrictions are imposed on the HSS during the Tern breeding season, when wash from the ship can cause problems for the breeding birds on The Scar.

The levels of wash that the fast ferries create has been the subject of some controversy, with many suggesting that the death by drowning of a man and his two sons in the loch in July 2003 was due to their boat being overwhelmed by a large wave created by a nearby passing ferry. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report on the incident suggested however that the condition of the boat, the lack of safety equipment onboard and a poor look out were more likely to have been contributing factors, but did emphasise that speed limits should be adhered to and that small boat owners should be made aware of the dangers of ferry-induced washes. There has also recently been criticism of the erosion that the wash from the boats are creating in and around Kirkcolm bay on the loch's western shores. The questions of speed and the environmental impact that it has have to be balanced with the efficiency and speed of operation, with the Loch Ryan - Northern Ireland route under pressure from other competing routes and methods of transport, not least the Holyhead - Dublin ferry link and low cost airlines.

It is this pressure on efficiency and crossing time that has led to the decision of Stena proposals to move in a few years its operations from Stranraer further north to Cairnryan to share facilities with P&O. This will allow them to cut out the slowest part of the journey, enabling the HSS to reduce its overall roundtrip time by around 30 minutes. This proposal, coming as it does with a significant redevelopment and investment in new port facilities at Cairnryan, will give good security to the future of the North Channel route. It will also lead to future potential small craft maritime development at the southern end of the Loch, which will be completely free from large and regular ferry traffic. The Loch already sees small craft usage, with the Loch Ryan Sailing club operating from Wig Bay, and Stranraer Marina in Stranraer harbour beside the West Pier. The text on this HISTORY page is covered by the following licence Eating, Drinking & Entertainment Stranraer is a fair sized town, having a reasonable selection of pubs and restaurants. Suffice to say the crew won't go hungry or thirsty, with all sorts on offer, from fish and chips through to Indian and Chinese.

Naturally there are plenty of pub restaurants too. The links below may give the curious a starting point: Pubs Stranraer - 必应 Sign in Stranraer Coordinates: 54°54′07″N 5°01′37″W / 54.902°N 5.027°W Stranraer (UK: /stranˈrɑ:/ stran-RAR; Scottish Gaelic: An t-Sròn Reamhar, pronounced [ənˠ̪ t̪ʰɾɔːn ɾãũ.əɾ]) is a town in Inch, Wigtownshire, in the west of Dumfries and Galloway, southwest Scotland. It lies on the shores of Loch Ryan, on the northern side of the isthmus joining the Rhins of Galloway to the mainland. Stranraer is Dumfries and Galloway's second-largest town, with a population including the surrounding area of nearly 13,000. Stranraer is an administrative centre ... (展开) for the West Galloway Wigtownshire area of Dumfries and Galloway.

It is best known as having been a ferry port connecting Scotland with Belfast (and previously with Larne) in Northern Ireland; the last service was transferred to Cairnryan in November 2011. The main industries in the area are the ferry port, with associated industries, tourism and, more traditionally, farming. The name is generally believed to come from the Scottish Gaelic An t-Sròn Reamhar meaning "The Fat Nose", but which more prosaically might be rendered as "the broad headland". Another interpretation would link the second element in the name with Rerigonium, an ancient settlement noted by Ptolemy in this part of Britain. A person from Stranraer is a Stranraerarian; someone from the original, lochside, part of the town, including Sheuchan Street and Agnew Crescent – the Clayhole or, in local dialect, Cl'yhole – is a Clayholer /kleɪˈhoʊlər/.[citation needed] Stranraer Transport The A77 runs north towards Ayr, Prestwick and Glasgow. The A75 runs east from Stranraer to Gretna, with links to the M6 going to Carlisle.

The A75 is part of European route E18, but, like all European routes, it is not signposted as such in the United Kingdom. The main national coach providers operate services from Stranraer. National Express offer a service to London, and Scottish Citylink (in association with Ulsterbus) operate services to Edinburgh. Local transport in and around the town is provided by Stagecoach Western, and three local companies – McCulloch's Coaches. Stranraer railway station is the southern terminus for one of the branch lines of the Glasgow South Western Line. Trains are provided by Abellio ScotRail daily to Ayr, Glasgow Central, and Kilmarnock. From Stranraer connections to the West Coast Main Line, can be made at Glasgow Central, or traveling via Ayr, Kilmarnock, Dumfries to Carlisle. Onward trains from either Glasgow Central or Carlisle connect direct to London Euston and other destinations such as Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe and Birmingham New Street.

In November 2011, Stena Line relocated its ferry services to a new port at Old House Point, north of Cairnryan, which is a few miles north of Stranraer. The existing port in Stranraer may be redeveloped with the departure of Stena Line; proposals to build a transport hub have been made. Both Campbeltown Airport and Glasgow Prestwick Airport, at around 45 miles (72 km), are the closest airports in Scotland to Stranraer. Belfast City Airport in Northern Ireland is 39 miles (63 km) distant. Stranraer Redevelopment The European Union is partly financing "The Stranraer and Loch Ryan Waterfront Project" for now and future generations. At an estimated cost of £1.29m, the Castle Square development will be the first phase of the redevelopment of Stranraer town centre and significantly change the flow of traffic, with Castle Street and George Street both being narrowed in a bid to be more pedestrian friendly. By January 2010, work on the streets around the town centre was complete, with the streets around the Castle of St John re-paved and re-profiled.

The Castle Square was formally unveiled in March 2011 and has so far hosted a range of activities, including music and family events. Stranraer is currently undergoing redevelopment in the South Central Area (known as Dick's Hill, Ochtrelure and the southern part of Liddesdale Road area into the Gallow Hill). Stranraer Historic and notable buildings The Castle of St. John is a medieval tower house, built around 1500 by the Adairs of Kilhilt. It has been used as a home, a court, a prison, and a military garrison, the last during the Killing Times in the 1680s. The Old Town Hall, built in 1776, now houses the Stranraer Museum with its displays of Victorian Wigtownshire and the town's polar explorers, Sir John Ross and his nephew James Clark Ross. The town is also home to the North West Castle, built in 1820 and the first hotel in the world with its own indoor curling ice rink.

Ardwell Gardens Castle of St John Castle Kennedy Gardens – a 75-acre (30 ha) garden between two lochs, noted for its rhododendrons, azaleas and embothriums in the grounds of Lochinch Castle, the seat of the Earls of Stair. Glenluce Abbey – a 12th-century Cistercian monastery. Glenwhan Gardens – a 12-acre (4.9 ha) garden near Dunragit. Logan Botanic Garden, near Port Logan village, one of the four sites of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Mull of Galloway – the most southerly point of Scotland, with a lighthouse, visitor centre and RSPB bird reserve. Portpatrick The Robert the Bruce Trail begins at Loch Ryan, near Stranraer. Southern Upland Way – a 212-mile (341 km) coast-to-coast path between Portpatrick and Cockburnspath. Stranraer Museum Whithorn – with its relics of St Ninian. Wigtown – Scotland's national book town.

Stranraer Education Stranraer has five primary schools: Belmont, Park, Rephad, St. Joseph’s R.C. and Sheuchan. The secondary school, Stranraer Academy, is a comprehensive school consisting of one modern building (New Building Phase 2 completed in 2010). The school has around 1,200 pupils, 90 members of staff and serves the area of Stranraer, the Rhins, and parts of the Machars, Wigtownshire. Stranraer Academy has another seven associated primary schools from areas outwith Stranraer: Glenluce, Castle Kennedy, Drochduil, Drummore, Kirkcolm, Leswalt, Sandhead and Portpatrick. The original Stranraer Academy was opened in 1845 on the site of the present Stranraer Campus of Dumfries and Galloway College. In 1965, a new Academy (B Block) was built alongside a new High School (A Block) and in 1970 the schools amalgamated. Stranraer has no private education institutions.

Dumfries and Galloway College has a campus in the town. In 1990, the John Niven Further Education College was built on Academy Street in the town; it has since been absorbed into the Dumfries and Galloway College. Stranraer Sport The town is the home of Stranraer F.C., the local semi-professional football team who play at Stair Park. They currently play in the Scottish League One. The rugby team Wigtownshire RFC are based in the town, playing at London Road Playing Fields, opposite Stair Park and are currently in West League Division 2. Also at Stair Park are BMX and skateboarding ramps, and all-weather tennis and netball courts. The town also has a swimming pool (with flume), fitness suite, gymnasium and large sports hall at the council-run Ryan Centre, as well as other football fields, parks and all-weather multi-purpose pitches. Throughout the years, Stranraer has also been a centre of excellence for Scottish curling.

The town boasts the first hotel in the world with an indoor curling ice rink (North West Castle), and was the birthplace of Hammy McMillan, a World Champion curler, who continues to live in the town today. The town is host to a number of annual curling championships, including the Scottish Ladies Curling Championship and the World Juniors Curling Championship. There are also two lawn bowls clubs in Stranraer. Both clubs have won major national and international honours in recent years.[citation needed][when?] A small leisure boat marina was constructed in Stranraer Harbour in 2008. Stranraer Media Local newspaper the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press is based and printed in the town's St Andrews Street. The Galloway Gazette also covers the town and surrounding area. Stranraer falls in the ITV Border television area. The nearest radio station is based in Belfast; however, the nearest local station is based in Dumfries. West Sound FM broadcasts at 96.5FM in the town.

In June 2009, Stranraer started the transition from analogue to digital television, making it one of first areas in the country to do so, behind Workington and the Scottish Borders. This opened up a number of digital services for the town and the surrounding area, which previously struggled to get even the likes of Channel Five on their television sets. Stranraer History The Battle of Loch Ryan was fought near Stranraer on 9/10 February 1307 during the Scottish Wars of Independence. King Robert I of Scotland's invasion of his ancestral lands in Annandale and Carrick began in 1307. The Annandale and Galloway invasion force was led by his brothers Alexander de Brus and Thomas de Brus, Malcolm McQuillan, Lord of Kintyre, an Irish sub-king and Sir Reginald de Crawford. The force consisted of 1,000 men and 18 galleys. They sailed into Loch Ryan and landed near Stranraer.

The invasion force was quickly overwhelmed by local forces, led by Dungal MacDouall, who was a supporter of the Balliols, Comyns and King Edward I of England, and only two galleys escaped. All the leaders were captured. Dungal MacDouall summarily executed the Irish sub-king and Malcolm McQuillan, Lord of Kintyre. Alexander, Thomas and Reginald de Crawford were sent to Carlisle, England, where they were executed. The heads of McQuillan and two Irish chiefs were sent to King Edward I. On 12 November 1595, the "Clashant of Stranrawer" was named part of Ninian Adair's lands of Barony and in 1596 was erected into a burgh of barony, the Barony of Kinhilt. This is recorded in the Register of the Great Seal of Scotland.

The partial translation into English is: At Linlithgow, 12 November 1595, the King confirms and for faithful service again dedicates to Ninian Adair of Kinhilt, and the legitimate male heirs of his body, which failing his nearest legitimate male heirs whosoever bear the name and insignia of Adair[, various lands....] In addition, the King creates the village at Clauchane de Stranraer as a free burgh of the barony with a free port, called the Burgh and Port of Stranraer; and the said Ninian etc shall have the authority to appoint a bailiff, treasurer, Dean of Guild, magistrate, burgesses, officials etc; and the burgesses shall have the authority and leave to pack and unpack [meaning the selling of bulk merchandise (wholesale trade) allowed by law only by free men in a free burgh], to buy and sell [also allowed only in a free burgh] etc; [...] and the said Ninian etc shall have authority to hold the position of governor of the said burgh, [...] to hold weekly markets on Saturday, with free (untaxed) market days twice a year, viz Saint Barnabas' day the 1

1th of June, and at Peter's Imprisonment called Lammas on the 1st of August, [...] and the said Ninian etc shall have authority over all the port customs of the said burgh raised by sea or land among the land tenents of the said burgh and support of the said port; and the said Ninian etc shall have authority to receive resignations of lands of the said burgh etc [i.e.

recover his lands from towns people who choose to sell them or give them up]; from those persons whatsoever who chose to dispose of them; the townspeople may meet three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. By 1600, Stranraer had become the market town for western Wigtownshire. At about this time, Stranraer was reached by a military road built from Dumfries to allow easier access to Portpatrick for transportation of people to Ireland for the "Plantation of Ulster". Stranraer became a royal burgh in 1617. The first harbour in Stranraer was built in the mid-18th century, with further port development in the 1820s. The arrival of the railway from Dumfries in 1861 (closed 1965), giving the shortest journey to/from London, finally established Stranraer as the area's main port. In 1862, the line was extended to serve the harbour directly, and a link to Portpatrick was also opened. In 1877, a rail connection north to Girvan and Glasgow was also established.

Stranraer remained the main Scottish port for the Irish ferries for the next 150 years or so. On 31 January 1953, 133 people died when the Princess Victoria sank near Belfast Lough after its car deck was swamped by heavy seas. Stranraer and its surrounding area saw a significant amount of activity during the Second World War, as it became a focus for anti-U-boat work. Flying boats operated from the area in an attempt to secure the waters of the North Channel and the south western coast of Scotland. Almost all of Britain's shipping imports passed through those two sea areas en route to the Clyde or the Mersey. Indeed, the flying boat Supermarine Stranraer is named after the town. Winston Churchill himself departed from Stranraer in a Boeing Flying Boat on the night of 25 June 1942, when making his second visit of the war to the USA. Churchill also spent time at nearby Knockinaam Lodge during the war years. Stranraer has an active local history trust, which publishes work on the area's history, commissioned from local authors.

Stranraer Cultural references The song "Cap In Hand" by The Proclaimers says "I can understand why Stranraer lie so lowly, they could save a lot of points by signing Hibs' goalie", a reference to goalkeeper Andy Goram, and to Stranraer FC's poor league position at the time the song was written. In the fourth episode of the BBC Radio 4 series Knowing Me, Knowing You... with Alan Partridge, one of the guests was the 'Duchess of Stranraer'. No such title exists. Stranraer has featured in Peter Kay's Channel 4 Phoenix Nights series, albeit only by name. One character, Alan, is said to be stuck in Stranraer with his lorry and not at the club.

David Broadfoot, hero of the 1953 Princess Victoria sinking Sir James Caird, agricultural writer and politician Colin Calderwood, footballer, former manager of Hibernian FC James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair, jurist and author of the Institutions of the Laws of Scotland John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair, sat as MP for the Burgh of Stranraer in the 1689 Convention Parliament Thomas Hamilton, recipient of the Victoria Cross Leander Starr Jameson, leader of the Jameson Raid, a precursor of the Second Boer War, and Prime Minister of the Cape Colony, and editor of the Wigtownshire Free Press Robert William Jameson, author, editor of the Wigtownshire Free Press, and father of Leander Starr Jameson Allan Jenkins, footballer Sir John Noble Kennedy, army officer, author and colonial governor William King, author, Slayer novels and Space Wolves, favoured by tabletop gamers Keith Knox, footballer Kevin Kyle, footballer Allan Little, BBC foreign correspondent John Claudius Loudon, landscape gardener and horticultural writer, who laid out the grounds at Castle Kennedy in 1841 Rory Loy, footballer Robert

 McDouall, officer, Napoleonic Wars William McFadzean, Baron McFadzean, industrialist and President of the Federation of British Industries Hammy McMillan, World Curling Champion, 1999 Shaun McSkimming, footballer James Mavor, economist, economic historian and Professor of Political Economy and Constitutional History at the University of Toronto John Rennie, naval architect Sir John Ross, polar explorer Dame Leslie Strathie, Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs Peter Wilson, World Junior Curling champion, 1981 Craig Hamilton, Rugby Player Guide to living in Stranraer, Scotland Stranraer, Scotland Stranraer Harbour Stranraer lies on the shores of Loch Ryan in the Wigtownshire region of Dumfries and Galloway, in the far South West of Scotland, and is the second-largest town in Dumfries and Galloway.

Stranraer was formerly a ferry port connecting southwest Scotland with Belfast and Larne in Northern Ireland; the ferry service has since been transferred to nearby Cairnryan (7 miles) but remains one of the main industries in the area along with tourism, farming and associated industries. This particular part of Wigtownshire has one of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes, home to Scotland's most southerly point at the Mull of Galloway (21 miles) and further east the Galloway Forest National Park (45 miles). Stranraer itself has a really good museum at the Castle of St. John, in the centre of the town, which you can climb right to the roof to enjoy magnificent views over Stranraer. Agnew Park, on the shores of Loch Ryan, offers a great day out for children and adults alike. There are pedal boats and a miniature train, adventure playground island and pitch and putt golf. Stair Park, home to Stranraer Football Club whose pitch is within the park, has tennis courts, a skate/scooter park, band stand, swings and playground as well as relaxing gardens.

When the weather isn't favourable visit the Ryan Centre for a swim in the leisure pool, stay fit in the gym or hire a court or the hall for badminton or football. The Ryan Theatre shows films and hosts live theatre and music events. Further information You'll find links to local schools, amenities, visitor attractions and related websites below: Local Council Loch Ryan Latest News - Scottish Water Search AAA This website uses cookies. Cookies are text files that websites place on your computer to collect information about your visit. Find out how we use cookies and how to switch them off here: Cookie Policy Loch Ryan Latest News 1st February 2013 Scottish Water is updating local people in Stranraer and surrounding villages in the next stages of the Loch Ryan project. STORM OVERFLOW WORK Scottish Waters on-going investment in Stranraer continues with work on storm overflow infrastructure at five sites in the town. Working with Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) this project will see delivery of environmental improvements across Stranraer with construction of new CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) chambers. Work has already started at Fairway and work in McMasters Road is due to commence at the start of February.

Future work starting in the forthcoming weeks will include: Beachmount CSO chamber, located adjacent to Bowling Green Road on the lower concrete “promenade”. During the construction process and for the safety of all, the access to this low promenade will be restricted as well as two one-day road closures of the main A77 road. The road closures will be advertised well in advance in local media and signage will be on the road the week prior to the closure. The alternative diversion route will be well signposted. Dalrymple Street CSO, chamber, to be located on the area of stone paving by Dunbar Court this will also include new interlinking pipe work on Dalrymple Street that will require some local traffic management and restrictions on Dalrymple Street affecting Hanover Street. Glebe Street CSO located by the junction of Glebe Street and Park Lee Gardens and Bishopburn CSO chambers located by the existing Scottish Water building adjacent to Bishopburn Cottages are not expected to cause as much disruption during the construction process. Both Scottish Water and George Leslie Limited would like to thank the residents and visitors of Stranraer in advance for their cooperation during the construction process delivering this program of works.

COMMUNITY FORUM To keep local key stakeholders such as councillors, emergency services and representatives from community groups informed of the Loch Ryan waste water project there was recently a community forum meeting at the new waste water treatment works near Leswalt. In attendance were representatives from SEPA, the local roads department and various Scottish Water and Leslie MWH staff who are involved in the various works in Stranraer and surrounding villages. Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “The meeting went well in spite of poor weather. A tour of the new waste water treatment works near Leswalt was followed by visit to the new pumping station at Port Rodie, where work is underway to finalise construction of the massive pumping infrastructure that will deliver waste water to the new works on Smithy Hill.” PORT RODIE DEMOLITION As part of the final phase of the Loch Ryan project, Scottish Water will also be demolishing the 50-year old toilet block at Port Rodie to make way for new storm water infrastructure. The toilet block was constructed in 1963 alongside the Port Rodie waste water treatment works which is covered over by a car park. The old Port Rodie office will remain for the foreseeable future but will eventually be demolished also.

Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “Work will start soon to demolish the old toilet block at Port Rodie. During this work we will be working in an area enclosed by fences and the demolition will be carried out in a way that will cause minimum disruption to local people. PROJECT IN FINAL STAGES Work in the town centre for the various parts of the project is mostly completed and there will be some remedial works in the coming months to tie up loose ends and address snagging issues. Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “Scottish Water and our delivery partner Leslie MWH want to thank local people for their understanding and patience while we carried out this project. We’ve tried to engage with all parts of the community during the project and actively sought their involvement so we could accommodate them as best as possible. ”We’ve sponsored sports events such as the half marathon and helped out the schools with various projects so we feel we have given something back to the community as well.” 10th December 2012 Scottish Water is entering the final phase of the Loch Ryan project, which will upgrade the waste water treatment and sewer network for Stranraer and surrounding villages.

To keep local key stakeholders such as councillors, emergency services and representatives from community groups informed of the work there will be a community forum meeting in January at the new waste water treatment works near Leswalt. The overall suite of projects consists of many strands: flood prevention; a new waste water treatment system; new sewers; removal or upgrading of storm pipes into watercourses; a new pumping station at Port Rodie; a long outfall pipe from Smithy Hill to Larbrax for treated waste water; sub sea infrastructure in Broadsea Bay to support the new outfall pipe; installation of power infrastructure and drainage ponds. Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “Work recently started at Fairway to install new waste water infrastructure that will play a part in enhancing water quality in the burns and streams that feed into Loch Ryan. This is one of several small projects that feed into the overall waste water management in the area. “Work also recently started on the power infrastructure for the new pumping station at Port Rodie. This work will cover the stretch from Port Rodie to Bellevilla Road, along Hanover Street then on to Dalrymple Street and end at Academy Street. “Pipeline commissioning is underway on all of the installed pipelines.

The outfall pipe remains to be tested, as installation is due to complete in the New Year. “Finally, work was recently completed on a SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage System) at the Blackpark Industrial Estate which consists of ponds we use to collect and naturally treat surface water. We have also completed reinstatement of gardens and ponds in Mayfield Avenue which were excavated to allow new sewer infrastructure to be put in place. “Work in the town centre for these various projects is mostly completed and there will be some remedial works in the coming months to tie up loose ends and address snagging issues. “We are aiming for an April completion date for the work - although there may be some small remedial work after that, the lion’s share of it will be complete by then. “Scottish Water and our delivery partner Leslie MWH want to thank local people for their understanding and patience while we carried out this project. We’ve tried to engage with all parts of the community during the project and actively sought their involvement so we could accommodate them as best as possible.

”We’ve sponsored sports events such as the half marathon and helped out the schools with various projects so we feel we have given something back to the community as well.” 20th September 2012 Work is progressing well on the Loch Ryan project to improve water quality by installing a modern waste water treatment facility. The next stage of this improvement programme involves installing the necessary power infrastructure for the pumping station at Port Rodie. In addition Scottish Water is undertaking work that will increase the environmental compliance of the storm overflows which are situated around the town. In order to give local people the opportunity to view the plans, meet the team and to raise any questions or concerns they may have, Scottish Water is inviting local people to a drop in event at the Jubilee Room, North West Castle Hotel, Stranraer DG9 8EH on 3rd October from 4pm to 7pm.

Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, said: “If local people are unable to attend and have any questions or concerns they would like to discuss, please feel free to give us a call on 0845 601 8855 or you can e-mail us at lochryan@scottishwater.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can. “Our Loch Ryan project will provide the first ever modern waste water treatment solution for Stranraer and surrounding villages.” 24th August 2012 As part of the ongoing work to construct a modern waste water treatment process that will serve Stranraer and surrounding areas, Scottish Water is advising local people that it is necessary to close the Port Rodie foot path from 3rd September 2012 until 21st December 2012. Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “The foot path closure is required to allow for interconnecting works between the new pumping station at Port Rodie and the existing works. “Alternative pedestrian access will be the public foot path on Harbour Street.

“We apologise for any inconvenience to local people as a result of this essential work and we want to thank local people for their patience. “The people of Stranraer and local areas have been very understanding and supportive of this work and soon the waters of Loch Ryan will benefit from a modern and reliable waste water system. The new works at Smithy Hill will play a key part in the regeneration of the waterfront of Stranraer and provide Leswalt and Kirkcolm with vastly improved waste water facilities.” 31st July 2012 Scottish Water and their contractor Leslie MWH will start work around mid-August to remove the redundant pumping station on the Cairnryan waterfront and restore the site to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The work will be carried out within the confines of the site so will offer little or no inconvenience to local people. Access to the coastal path will remain in place however may be restricted in places. Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, Scottish Water, said: “The work will consist of demolition of redundant underground primary settlement tanks, the roof structure which covers them, infill of the tanks and finally reinstatement of ground.

“There will be very limited impact for local people as site traffic will be using existing Scottish Water access off the main road. There may be some restricted access to the informal path along the raised shore however access will always be maintained. “The people of Cairnryan are now served by a new waste water treatment works at the new Stena ferry terminal, which treats the water using conventional methods coupled with UV light which results in an excellent standard of treatment to protect the shellfish waters of Loch Ryan. “The work will take around five weeks to complete.” Scottish Water’s Loch Ryan project will give the communities of Stranraer, Leswalt and Kirkcolm a modern, reliable waste water treatment infrastructure which will remove the permanent discharge of treated waste water into Loch Ryan. The waste water will be pumped from a new station at Port Rodie to a waste water treatment works at Smithy Hill outside Leswalt, where it will be treated to a high standard before being discharged via a long outfall pipe to the Irish Sea near Broadsea Bay.

13th July 2012 Scottish Water will be hosting a stand at the 2012 Stranraer Show on Wednesday 25th July 2012 which will give local people a chance to learn more about the utility firm’s work in the area, particularly the upgrade work to the waste water system in the town. Scottish Water’s Loch Ryan project will give the communities of Stranraer, Leswalt and Kirkcolm a modern, reliable waste water treatment infrastructure which will remove the permanent discharge of treated waste water into Loch Ryan. The waste water will be pumped from a new station at Port Rodie to a waste water treatment works at Smithy Hill outside Leswalt, where it will be treated to a high standard before being discharged via a long outfall pipe to the Irish Sea near Broadsea Bay. 16th May 2012 Work is now well underway on all fronts for the project - the pumping stations at Kirkcolm and Leswalt have been started and the sewers are being laid to take the pumped waste water from Port Rodie to the new Loch Ryan Waste Water Treatment Works at Smithy Hill.

Construction of the new works is well advanced and the various buildings, tanks and apparatus have taken shape. There is a lot of activity underway locally with traffic coming and going. The project team wants to thank local people for their understanding as the work continues. The project team will make a couple of community announcements soon, one of which is geared towards getting local young people involved with the project. For any further information call the Customer Helpline on 0845 601 88 55 and quote "Loch Ryan Project". 2nd March 2012 The next stage of the Loch Ryan project involves laying a new section of sewer from the pumping station at Port Rodie to the new works at Smithy Hill near Leswalt. In order to give local people the opportunity to view our plans, meet the team and to raise any questions or concerns they may have, Scottish Water is inviting local people to an information evening at Stranraer Library, North Strand Street, Stranraer, DG9 7LD between 3.00pm - 7.00pm on Tuesday 6th March 2012.

Stephen Hepburn, Project Manager, said: “If local people are unable to attend and have any questions or concerns they would like to discuss, please feel free to give us a call on 0845 601 8855 or you can e-mail us at lochryan@scottishwater.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help in any way we can. “For this work we will be using the traditional open trench method which involves excavating the entire length of the sewer from ground level to the full depth required. “In order to ensure overall safety temporary road restrictions will need to be put in place. This will include local control by temporary traffic lights, restriction of on-street parking and in some areas temporary road closures. “Part of this work is located on Seabank Road, Sheuchan Street, Foreland Place, Leswalt High Road and Spring Bank Road.” 17th January 2012 Work is progressing well on the Loch Ryan project, which has been designed to improve the quality of both shellfish and leisure waters and the waste water provision in Stranraer and surrounding areas. Our construction delivery partner, Leslie MWH, has updated their programme of works.

A new section of sewer pipeline is due to be laid in Foreland Place. Work is due to take place from Thursday 12 January 2012 until mid-April 2012. Access to private parking spaces at the rear of properties in Foreland Place will be required due to the location of the new pipeline. A temporary road closure at the Old Creamery Park end of Foreland Place will be required towards the end of the planned works. Scottish Water will display road notices well in advance to keep local people informed. Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions about Scottish Water or the project, please call our Customer Helpline on 0845 601 8855. Related Content

Question: Which Scottish port lies on Loch Ryan?
Answer: STRANRAER